biostudies-literatureValtorta NKNational Institute for Health Research (NIHR)1009-16https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC4941172biostudies-literatureUnknown102(13)<h4>Background</h4>The influence of social relationships on morbidity is widely accepted, but the size of the risk to cardiovascular health is unclear.<h4>Objective</h4>We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between loneliness or social isolation and incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke.<h4>Methods</h4>Sixteen electronic databases were systematically searched for longitudinal studies set in high-income countries and published up until May 2015. Two independent reviewers screened studies for inclusion and extracted data. We assessed quality using a component approach and pooled data for analysis using random effects models.<h4>Results</h4>Of the 35 925 records retrieved, 23 papers met inclusion criteria for the narrative review. They reHeart (British Cardiac Society)Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal observational studies.PMC4941172DRF-2013-06-074Valtorta NKGilbody SRonzi SHanratty BKanaan MfalseLoneliness and social isolation as risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal observational studies.<h4>Background</h4>The influence of social relationships on morbidity is widely accepted, but the size of the risk to cardiovascular health is unclear.<h4>Objective</h4>We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between loneliness or social isolation and incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke.<h4>Methods</h4>Sixteen electronic databases were systematically searched for longitudinal studies set in high-income countries and published up until May 2015. Two independent reviewers screened studies for inclusion and extracted data. We assessed quality using a component approach and pooled data for analysis using random effects models.<h4>Results</h4>Of the 35 925 records retrieved, 23 papers met inclusion criteria for the narrative review. They re2016-01-01T00:00:00Z2016 Jul2026-07-15T21:35:20.402Z2026-07-09T10:14:05.837ZS-EPMC49411722709184610.1136/heartjnl-2015-308790